BY GLENN MOLLETTE

Decoration Day was observed May 30 from 1868 to 1970 to decorate the graves and honor those dying in military service for our country. In 1971 Congress officially made the last Monday in May Memorial Day.

On this day, Americans take time to pay respect and decorate the graves of our military service Americans who died to keep America free. Because of them we can travel the country, have picnics, go to ballgames and more.

For me, Memorial Day has changed. Memorial weekend was a big time of family gathering. I can still remember Mamaw and Grandpa, all nine of their children and the grandchildren gathering to eat, play, talk and laugh. But then Mamaw and Grandpa died and the reunions changed. One by one, the siblings passed away. Today, all nine of them and their spouses are gone.

The grandchildren are now passing away. This is my generation. As I begin to think of their names, it’s a surprising number. All five of my dad’s brothers and sister are gone. Throughout the years, I’ve attended too many funerals. This includes my wife of 27 years and our little stillborn baby. Memorial Day has changed. So many people I celebrated the day with are gone. It would be impossible for me to visit all the graves of all these dear people. They are scattered out between Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and other states.